Dallas police officer Darron Burks, who was fatally shot in what the police chief called an execution, was remembered Saturday as a hero during a funeral service in Dallas.
“A hero who made the ultimate sacrifice … the grief is overwhelming,” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia during the nearly two-hour-long service that was often marked by applause for Burks’ mother, Cherie Jeffery, and laughter at memories of Burks.
“He loved me every day, he didn’t wait until my birthday” or various holidays, Jeffery said as she stood next to a portrait of Burks in his uniform, adding that her son texted her daily. “Darron loved everybody.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said Burks was “tragically taken, targeted” because he was a police officer.
Burks was “a hero … with a spirit of service and selflessness,” Johnson said.
Bagpipes played and mourners streamed past his open coffin that was draped with a U.S. flag and uniformed police officers at either end until the casket was closed for the service.
Burks, 46, was sitting in his patrol car Aug. 29 when he was fatally shot by 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, who spoke briefly with Burks and recorded the encounter before pulling out a handgun and shooting Burks, according to police.
“I know the word ambush has been thrown around … that’s not what happened here,” Garcia said following the shooting. “Officer Burks was executed.”
Cobb-Bey shot and wounded two other officers as they arrived, then fled the scene and was pursued by police to Lewisville, Texas, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Dallas, police said.
When Cobb-Bey’s vehicle came to a stop on Interstate 35, he exited with a shotgun in his hand and pointed it at officers. Six officers opened fire, killing Cobb-Bey who was struck multiple times, police said.
Burks joined the police force in December after graduating from the police academy. He previously spent 17 years as a high school math teacher.
Gov. Greg Abbott, at the request of Johnson, said state of Texas and United States flags could be lowered to half-staff on Saturday to honor Burks.
“The First Lady and I extend prayers of comfort for the Burks family during their time of grief, and we urge all Texans to remember and honor Officer Burks’ service as a dedicated and trusted law enforcement officer,” Abbott said in a letter to Johnson.
The city of Dallas came together to honor and pay tribute to a fallen hero, a slain police officer who lost his life in the line of duty. The funeral service for the officer was a somber yet powerful event, as family, friends, colleagues, and community members gathered to remember and celebrate his life and service.
The officer, whose name has not been released, was tragically killed while responding to a call in the line of duty. He was a dedicated and courageous member of the Dallas Police Department, known for his bravery, integrity, and commitment to serving and protecting his community.
The funeral service was held at a local church, where a large crowd gathered to pay their respects. The service began with a procession of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, who lined the streets to honor their fallen colleague. The officer’s family members were escorted into the church, where they were greeted with hugs and words of comfort from those in attendance.
During the service, several speakers paid tribute to the officer, sharing stories of his bravery, compassion, and dedication to his job. His colleagues spoke of his professionalism and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to keep his community safe. Family members shared memories of his kindness, humor, and love for his family.
As the service came to a close, a final salute was given to the fallen officer, as bagpipers played “Amazing Grace” and a flag was presented to his family. The officer was laid to rest with full honors, surrounded by those who loved and respected him.
The funeral service for the slain Dallas police officer served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day to keep our communities safe. It was a time for the city to come together in mourning and solidarity, to honor a hero who gave his life in service to others.
As the community continues to grieve the loss of this brave officer, it is important to remember his legacy and the impact he had on those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Officer. You will always be remembered as a true hero.
